Here's our 16 game prediction for Patriots' 2017 schedule

Week 2: at New Orleans Saints

New Orleans had a talented offense last season, but the loss of Cooks will undoubtedly impact Drew Brees’ ability to put up the numbers his team had a year ago. Last season the Saints finished second in points per game with 27.6 and first in passing yards per game with 317.1. With Cooks out of the equation, New Orleans does not strike me as a similar threat offensively.

That said, Brees is still an elite quarterback in this league and could certainly test the Patriots’ secondary by slinging the ball at the gut of their defense.

But this Saints defense is too soft, finishing second-worst in the league last season in points allowed per game at 28.4. The New England offense shouldn’t have too much difficulty moving the ball in this one and will improve to 2-0 on the season.

Prediction: Patriots win, 38-21

Like this article?

Sign up for the Patriots Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning

Success

Thanks for signing up.
You'll be waking up a little more awesome tomorrow.